Barry Trotz is suddenly unemployed and sure to be a hot commodity in the NHL coaching carousel should he decide to get right back in the game.
One of his long-time disciples, Peter Horachek, is still awaiting word from GM Dale Tallon if he will be retained as Florida's head coach after taking over for Kevin Dineen last December. While he did an admirable job helping a young team stay afloat, odds are against him sticking around with someone like Trotz available.
After 15 years on Nashville's bench Trotz was given a pink slip after the Predators failed to make the playoffs, finishing 10th in the very tough Western Conference. They were only 3 points out of a playoff spot and lost starting goaltender Pekka Rinne for 51 games to injury.
Trotz is certainly well respected and liked around the league, and there will be no shortage of suitors for his services. Should the Panthers be interested? Absolutely.
Developing young players is something Trotz enjoys, and he can really squeeze the most out of any roster. Let's face it. Nashville was never the who's who of the NHL during his tenure, yet he still kept them competitive.
With the pipeline of young talent coming up through the Panthers organization, there is potential for this roster to be the most talented Trotz has ever coached in terms of potential. Tallon also has an open checkbook to spend some serious cash this offseason. He could outbid everyone for coaching AND players if he wishes.
Time will tell whether Trotz fits Tallon's vision on what he wants the Panthers to become year in and year out as a contender, but his résumé speaks for itself.
In a future post I will discuss the other candidates that are on the list of potential coaches, assuming Horachek is gone. One of them won the Cup within the last 10 years, yet doesn't excite me all that much.
As the 2014 playoffs continue to redefine exciting and why we love this game, the Panthers are in need of someone who can continually develop the youth already in place to be part of the dance as well.
If Trotz is the guy, Panther fans should rejoice.
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